The Gauteng government has joined forces with Uber Eats South Africa in a ground-breaking partnership to unlock 10,000 employment opportunities for the youth in the province.
The collaboration will see Uber Eats SA and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development investing over R200 million to create 2 000 jobs for delivery personnel and onboard 700 additional restaurants onto its platform.
The entire market demand will see 10 000 participants placed in income-earning jobs.
This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is focused on job creation and seeks to provide township products with access to a broader market beyond their local communities.
The initiative aims to stimulate growth and diversification by digitising township economies, attracting more investment from various sectors while unlocking the Last Mile Delivery employment programme.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza launched the initiative in Vosloorus, expressed his commitment to ending youth unemployment.
“We are on a mission to create jobs and restore the dignity of South Africans. The reason why we have partnered with Uber Eats and are investing in this project is. We can’t give jobs to other people when South Africans are unemployed,” said Premier Panyaza while thanking the partners.
Addressing concerns within the delivery industry, Premier Panyaza clarified that no one would be forced out, and the government would work with existing players to ensure that everyone benefits from the initiative.
The partnership is under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, focused on implementing the Township Development Act and fostering growth opportunities in township businesses.
Gauteng Department of Economic Development MEC Tasneem Motara highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in transforming lives and driving economic development.
“This is an outstanding example of the power of public-private partnerships, and we are proud to be working together on a project which is certain to change the lives of thousands of South Africans.”
Motara said the partnership would help with job creation and help draw attention to the strategic partnership, which could unlock further economic growth and diversification in townships, leading to more investment from various sectors.
“This will help us develop a vibrant and competitive economy in the townships, especially in the digital sector.”
Uber Eats Sub Saharan Africa General Manager Nakampe Molewa emphasised the company’s commitment to uplifting township economies. The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with plans to onboard 200 merchants and 150 delivery personnel by March 2024.
“Uber Eats is perfectly positioned to deliver on this goal, harnessing our technology to uplift township economies and transform the lives of township residents.
“Our commitment will also make township markets more viable for local technology platforms, with more delivery people and merchants online,” Molewa said.
Molewa explained that by the end of the MOU, they would have identified and onboard 2 000 township merchants, including restaurants and enterprises, with products that can be sold on e-commerce platforms, including 2 000 township licensed liquor traders to foster compliance in the industry.
The Township Last-Mile Delivery programme, managed by Rider Skills, forms an essential part of the initiative. The programme will train motorbike drivers, including free motorcycle license training, learner and driver license tests, venture creation training, and assistance acquiring scooters.
By Lerato Mailoane
